Proving the Limit of (2x^2 + y^2)/(x^2 + y^2) as (x,y) --> (-1,2)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of the function (2x^2 + y^2) / (x^2 + y^2) as (x,y) approaches (-1,2). Participants explore various methods for establishing this limit, including epsilon-delta proofs and polar coordinates, while addressing challenges encountered in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes proving the limit is 6/5 using an epsilon-delta approach but encounters difficulties with the denominator.
  • Another suggests using limit theorems, indicating that both the numerator and denominator are continuous and the limit should be straightforward.
  • A participant mentions converting to polar coordinates as a potential method to simplify the proof.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of an epsilon-delta proof, with some asserting that the limit is obvious while others emphasize the need for formal proof.
  • One participant details their work with polar coordinates but struggles with the resulting expressions, particularly in managing the denominator.
  • Clarification is made regarding the correct substitution for polar coordinates, correcting an earlier mistake in the variable representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the limit is likely 6/5, but there is no consensus on the best method to prove it, with multiple competing approaches and unresolved challenges in the epsilon-delta proof.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved mathematical steps related to the denominator in the epsilon-delta proof and the dependence on the correct application of polar coordinates.

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I am trying to prove the limit of the function (2x^2 + y^2) / (x^2 + y^2) as (x,y) ---> (-1 , 2) is 6/5.

So I have 0 < sq((x+1)^2 + (y-2)^2) < delta

and f(x) - 6/5 < Epsilon

I found a common denominator and made epsilon the quotient of two polynomials. Also, i recognized that you could factor the numerator to yield some function of delta. However, the denominator is becoming a problem. I get that the numerator is less than 4D^2 + 8D + D^2 + 4D, after using the triangle inequality, but i don't know what to do with the denominator. Am i close to the right method, or am i totally doing it wrong? Is proving this even possible?
 
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how about converting into polar coordinates?
 
The question is, what are you allowed to use? It is obvious that both numerator and denominator are continuous functions and the denominator does not go to 0. By the "limit theorems" it obviously goes to 6/6 since the numerator goes to 6 and the denominator goes to 5. Are you saying that you are required to do an epsilon-delta proof?
 
yes, it's obvious what the limit is, but I need to prove it using the delta-epsilon proof.
 
Then your delta will measure distance from (-1, 2). It might be best to use murshid islam's suggestion: convert to polar coordinates. But you will also need to translate (-1, 2) to the origin. That is, x= -1+ r cos([itex]\theta[/itex]), y= 2+ r sin([itex]\theta[/itex]). That way, [itex]\delta= r[/itex].
 
Ok converting to polar coordinates seems like a good idea; however, the denominator is still causing me problems.

I will show all the work I have done so far:

We want to show that the limit of the function:

[tex]\frac{2x^2 + y^2}{x^2+ y^2}[/tex] is 1.2 as one approaches the point (-1,2).

We want to use the [tex]\delta - \epsilon[/tex] proof:

[tex]x = -1 + r\cos\Theta[/tex]
[tex]y = 2 + r\sin\Theta[/tex]

[tex]r < \delta[/tex]

[tex]\epsilon < f(x) - 1.2 = \frac{4x^2 - y^2}{5x^2+5^2}[/tex]

I substituted the values of x and y in terms of [tex]r[/tex] and [tex]\Theta[/tex]

And I end up with:

ab((4r^2cos^(t) - r^2sin^2(t) - 8rcos(t) - 4rsin(t) / (5r^2 - 10rcos(t) + 20rsin(t) + 25)) < Epsilon

I sill cannot prove it if I substitute delta for 'r'; the denominator is stil causing problems.
 
Last edited:
sorry x = -1 + rcos(t) is what i used, not 1 + rcos(t)
 

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